Japan To Revolutionise The “Flying Car” Concept — Subaru, Uber & Boeing Involved

While Subaru concentrates on the ‘car' part, Boeing will work on the aviation technology required to lift them up from the ground and make ‘flying cars' a reality. On the other hand, Uber will help commercialise such vehicles by providing a platform for the publicto use them as a mode of transport.

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry launched the project last month with representatives from both private and public agencies. Once implemented, Japan will officially become an important name in the global transportation sector.

The innovation will also open a new chapter in the history of automobiles. The concept of cars that can fly has been popular since the early-20th century. However, the technology to just make a car that is running on the road to just open its wings and fly off was never pioneered.

Though there have been many concepts and prototypes of such flying cars over the years, implementing it on a global scale was quite a challenge. The initial cost, running costs and lack of proper supporting infrastructure are some of the reasons why ‘flying cars' never really pulled off.

The ministry stated, "Globally, there is a growing interest in what is called 'flying cars' that will enable such transportation services in the sky. Japan, too, aims to achieve speedier and more convenient transportation services for people and goods, while trying to create a new industry that can be competitive and profitable in world markets."

Popular assumptions suggest that Japan's new mode of transportation will not actually be a four-wheeler capable of spreading out its wings, but a larger form of a drone. The drones will have a twin or quad-rotor setup and can accommodate maybe two passengers.

Sources have revealed that the Japanese call them the Flying Kuruma. The Japanese word ‘Kuruma' stands for 'car'. When asked about the same, Hiroyuki Ushijima, an official from the ministry, said, "It is not actually a car. It is more of a mobility service."

Meanwhile, Japan is not the first country working on this project. There is a small ‘urban air mobility race' happening under the radar.

Europe is focussing on a similar concept with Airbus, Audi and Italdesign as major partners. Aston Martin has also developed their own version of a flying car prototype. Meanwhile, Chinese automaker, Geely has bought US-based flying car startup, Terrafugia.

However, Japan seems to be the most confident among the lot with their target deadline in the 2020s.

Thoughts On Japan Working On Flying Cars

The idea of personal vehicles which can be flown hints many possibilities such as zero-traffic congestion, newer business opportunities, fewer travel times and most importantly, the advent into the future of automobiles.

We all have heard and seen about the concept through iconic movies and TV shows such as Back To The Future, Chitty Chitty Bang Band and The Jetsons. Things portrayed in them could turn out to be a reality very soon. Imagine the chances of the same mode of transport reaching our hometown!

*All images shown are for representational purposes only.